Prelate hopes Marawi conflict will end soon

Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, SJ, leads the distribution of relief goods and other basic necessities to Marawi evacuees at the Vaminta village in Opol, Misamis Oriental, June 2, 2017. CARL CABARABAN/CONTRIBUTOR

MANILA— Marawi Bishop Edwin dela Peña expressed hope that the ongoing fighting in the city will soon end.

“We hope the chaos, the war will soon be over and we can all return to our normal and peaceful life,” said dela Peña told Church-run Radio Veritas on Tuesday.

The prelate is hoping the government can bring back peace soon as people have longed to go back and live a normal life.

However, thousands of displaced families won’t be able to go back to the city until the peace and order situation becomes stable with the hope that they can rebuild the city in the coming months.

“We hope we can already be free from this violence and fear of terrorists,” he said.

For his part, Caritas Philippines chairman Archbishop Rolando Tria Tirona called on the public to keep sending aid to the evacuees.

“Let us all work together and put our minds, emotions, and assistance together for our countrymen in need,” said Tirona.

The social action arm of the Catholic Church has earlier issued a solidarity appeal for the families adversely affected by the clashes. CBCPNews